Los Angeles health experts show concern over county's STD program reorganization

Many U.S. counties that are under financial strain have reduced funding for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention programs in an attempt to balance their budgets. While this may be a concern in any area, it may be especially worrisome for residents of Los Angeles, which is home to the nation's adult film industry.

A recent article published in the Los Angeles Times reported that although the county's STD program will not reduce its efforts due to funding cuts, it will undergo a reorganization that leaves a man who is not a physician in charge in charge of communicable disease control. This has aroused concern from area health experts and AIDS advocates.

Individuals who oppose the management change have expressed fear that it will result in reduced efforts to combat the spread of HIV among actors in the pornography industry, the newspaper explained.

"This appears to be a political move which could significantly interfere with disease control activities," said Dr. Gary Richwald, who headed the STD program between 1989 and 2000, quoted by the news source.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, engaging in sex with multiple partners is one of the activities that contributes most to the spread of STDs.